As Germany’s Esther Henseleit lifted the giraffe trophy for a second time, having defended her title at the Magical Kenya Ladies Open last month, the same incredible Indian Ocean view set the backdrop at Vipingo Ridge. But this year, there was a difference to the scene. While speeches were made and thanks given after another successful tournament on the PGA Baobab Course, two giraffes wandered quietly past the prizegiving ceremony. To the delight of the audience gathered at the Clubhouse and those watching across the globe, Valentine and Naikorori, Vipingo Ridge’s newest residents made their live television debut.

Just as its title would suggest, the Magical Kenya Ladies Open was an enchanting affair and it kicked off the 2022 Ladies European Tour in style. Held from 10th to 13th February, the season opener and second edition of this spectacular tournament saw 96 players take on the challenge of the championship Baobab Course, the only PGA-accredited course in Africa, among high winds and warm conditions. After a two-year Covid-enforced hiatus, Vipingo Ridge once again offered the stunning platform for world-class performances but was able to surprise the Tour with some big changes too.

Upgraded greens of seeded paspalum marina, suited to the lower cut heights and green speeds being demanded by the Ladies European Tour, were unveiled as well as a new PGA Academy, watersports centre, renovated Clubhouse, and VIP menu headed up by Michelin star chef Thomas Bühner. Since the inaugural LET event in December 2019, this extraordinary destination on Kenya’s coast had also been established as a wildlife sanctuary, offering refuge to animals affected by drought or human/animal conflict. With 14 wild births recorded to date, the 2500-acre estate has already proven itself to be a thriving ecosystem and the safe home to water buck, zebra, impala, eland, Grant’s gazelle, bush buck and oryx - all part of a "space for wildlife" conservation project under the auspices of the Kenya Wildlife Service.

In November 2021, two orphaned giraffes that had been rescued from the drought in northern Kenya arrived. Still young, they nested in a purpose-built “boma”, drank milk from bottles and captured the hearts of Vipingo Ridge’s residents and guests. Valentine, a one-year-old male giraffe, and Naikorori, a nine-month-old female, quickly became the stars of the Ridge and now, after their popularity among the LET players, are the default mascots of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open to match the event logo and represent the brand.

Complementing the upgrade to the facilities and F&B offering at Vipingo Ridge, the introduction of wildlife to the Ridge has hugely elevated the experience for golfers since 2019 as animals can now be found on the fairways or cooling off in the water features, making this a truly unique place to play. And with the Beach Club just five kilometres away on the edge of the Kuruwitu marine protected area offering fantastic snorkelling, kayaking and SUPing in coral gardens, Vipingo Ridge really does have everything Magical Kenya is renowned for. And as they say here in Kiswahili, “Karibuni” (you are all welcome).